Argus Review recommends major overhaul of elite cricket

Cricket Australia's wide-ranging review of the structure of Australian cricket has recommended that coaching and selection at the elite level needs a major overhaul.

The seven-month review, headed by former BHP Billiton Chairman Don Argus, has claimed several big scalps, including selectors Andrew Hilditch, Greg Chappell, and coach Tim Nielsen. Their posts have been abolished in favourt of a new-look five-man selection panel consisting of a full-time selector, two part-time selectors as well as the coach and captain.

The move ends Hilditch's role as chairman of selectors and, given he was a part-time selector under the old structure, he is unable to fill the new role of full-time selector.

However, Hilditch will be considered should he apply for the role of part-time selector under the new structure.

The report also rules current selector Greg Chappell out of continuing in that role while he remains in his position as national talent manager.

Under a new coaching structure, the head coach will be a selector in a more elevated role with more authority and accountability than the current coach's role.

Cricket Australia Chairman Jack Clarke said Nielsen would be considered as a candidate for the new head coaching role.

A new general manager of team performance will also be appointed, responsible for coaching, selection and the Centre of Excellence.

The review was commissioned by Cricket Australia (CA) in the wake of Australia's home Ashes series flop last summer.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive James Sutherland said that although there were no surprises, it was a harsh review and something the sport needed to face up to.

Clarke called it a "full, frank and fearless look" into the state of cricket in Australia, adding that the sustained dominance of the national team over many years had likely masked some problems in the sport which were only now being addressed.

Clarke explained "it is clear with the wisdom of hindsight that there are some issues that could have been addressed earlier.

"In many ways we were victims of our own success.

"It is quite clear the world has moved on and a system that once worked is now in need of change."

Clarke thanked the players and officials who took part in the review, who he said "presented frankly and the common thread among interviewees was a passion for Australian cricket."

Cricket Australia decided to make the whole report public, which Clarke said was unusual in the corporate world, stating "we didn't want quick fixes, we wanted to do this properly."

Australia suffered their third Ashes defeat in six years in January. 

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